Meet:
Fire Chief
Colton Murray
Meet:
Asst. Fire Chief
Jacob Sample
NEW LEADERSHIP DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
CHIEF COLTON MURRAY
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I joined the Loco-Valley Volunteer Fire Department in the summer of 2000, while still in high school. We were a smaller department and had very limited trucks, gear, and tools. I joined because I had a desire to serve my community. I wanted the opportunity to save lives and learn the skills needed to be a fire fighter/first responder. Loco-Valley Volunteer Fire Department opened those doors for me to further my volunteer career as I grew out of High School and into the real world.
Upon graduating I moved to the Conroe area and continued to hold a in-active membership with Loco-Valley while I was away. When I would come into town and visit family, I would assist with calls if Loco-Valley were paged out. While in Conroe I joined with River Plantation Fire Department as a volunteer fire fighter. During my time with River Plantation I went through several fire training schools including Livingston Fire and Texas A&M Fire (College Station). I continued my volunteer career on to Grangerland Volunteer Fire Department just east of Conroe. During my time at Grangerland I learned a lot and began to advance my training into Rescue and became interested in EMS. I also began my law enforcement career in the Conroe area.
Today, happily married, with three beautiful little girls, I still serve the community of Loco-Valley. Currently I continue to use the training I have gained to help the community I serve. I moved back to the Loco-Valley area in 2010 and reactivated my membership to an active status. I love the community I serve and have enjoyed the times I have had with Loco-Valley VFD. In 2018 after several years with Loco-Valley VFD, I was asked by my peers if I would be interested in the Chiefs position. I accepted the offer because I believe in this department. I believe, with the great volunteers we have, we can be a valuable asset to our community. I believe I can further advance Loco-Valley Volunteer Fire Department, our community, and volunteer members into a better tomorrow. With my training and knowledge I believe I can bring the necessary training, prevention, and tools needed to save lives and property. I believe in us! I stand on serving. I believe in serving God, Family, Country, and Community!
I am proud to be an American,
I am proud to be your Fire Chief!
Thank You!
ASSISTANT CHIEF JACOB SAMPLE
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As a child, and growing up into my teen hood, I ultimately knew that I wanted to pursue a career in public service. Before I was even able to drive, I was hanging out at fire stations and doing whatever I could in an attempt to be one of "the guys". Now 39 years old, I am leading, educating, and commanding "the guys".
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On my 16th birthday, with parental consent, a fire department on the Northwest side of Harris County gave me that opportunity. I trained, drilled, and sacrificed many hours and weekends to do what I had longed to do. Being so green, and still unfamiliar with fire ground operations, I was only permitted to exterior fire attack. At the age of 17, one of the lieutenants felt it was time fore me to experience "the beast" from inside of a burning structure. This was not training, a drill, or a controlled scenario, but the real deal. I also required my medical certification that same year. From the age of 17 on up into my early 20's, I participated in numerous training events and exercises. This included several stays at Texas A&M University - TEEX Fire Training Facility. I also went on to graduate NHMCCD Police Academy in the year 2001. I have been a member of several fire departments since starting in 1996 and I am learning more and more with each department. From Northwest Harris County, to West Montgomery County, then onto Southern Washington County I fought fire and picked up knowledge every step of the way. I did, however, slow down in the years 2006-2007 for the births of my children.
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My family and I moved up to the Nacogdoches area in February 2019, where I was made Captain of Loco-Valley Fire Department under the command of Chief Colton Murray. My wife Bridgett was made an Engineer/Operator and my children are both Junior Members. We are all very active in the Fire Department, community, and we found comfort in a church here as well. At the end of 2019, I was awarded Firefighter of the Year, and also received the Chief's Letter(a high honor within the deparment). My son received Junior Firefighter of the year, my daughter being recognized for her efforts as well. Starting January 1st, 2020 I took my role as Assistant Chief, and State Certifying Officer for Loco-Valley Fire Department.
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I look forward to growing with this department, and seeing it prosper. I look forward to seeing my wife and children growing and learning new career skills. I look forward to seeing our community benefit from men, women, and children sacrificing their time to help people they don't even know.
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I end with saying; we serve our community because we want to. We do not serve because we have to. The members of Loco-Valley Fire Department are all Volunteers. We don't get paid, and we are rarely recognized for our service. Just know while you are safe in your beds, we may be at a fatal accident. While you are eating dinner, we may be fighting a house fire. While you are enjoying a movie with loved ones, we may be doing CPR on an infant. Take time when you are out to say thank you to a volunteer, should you see one. A simple thank you could mean the world to that first responder that just had their entire life altered by that last call.
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Stay safe, & God Bless
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Jacob D. Sample
Assistant Chief Loco-Valley VFD